Medical Use of Cannabis

The cannabis plant produces marijuana (dried leaves and flowers) as well as hashish (cannabis resin).

Cannabis contains more than 460 known chemicals, more than 60 of which are grouped under the name cannabinoids

Cannabinoids are chemicals found in the cannabis plant. These chemicals interact with the body to produce effects on various mental and bodily functions.

∆9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the psychoactive component of the cannabis plant and is what causes the high from smoking cannabis.

Although scientific literature on the therapeutic uses of cannabis and cannabinoids now exists, more research is needed.

Accessing Cannabis for Medical Purposes

The way individuals can access cannabis for medical purposes was updated on August 24, 2016 - Access to Cannabis for Medical Purposes Regulations (ACMPR). At present in Canada, the only legal source of cannabis for medical purposes is that provided by a licensed producer, which can be supplied to patients upon receipt of a medical document provided by a physician.